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Top 25 Cruise Lines: Readers' Choice Awards 2013

Condé Nast Traveler readers rank the best cruise lines in the world, including large ships, midsize-ships, small ships, and river cruising vessels.

Large Ship Lines #4. Princess

OVERALL SCORE: 81.1

Itineraries: 87.2

Excursions: 79.4

Service: 86

Cabins: 80.4

Food: 77.4

Activities/Facilities: 77.5

Design: 79.8

Encounter an "outstanding crew" at this 16-ship line (soon to be 17) that sails to the Caribbean, South Pacific, Europe, and South America, among other destinations. "Cabins are small, but adequate and comfortable. The staff are very attentive and pleasant." Staterooms have soft tones, wood detailing, and big TVs. Passengers choose from dinners at any time at multifold restaurants, or a fixed seating in the main dining room. "After eating at the Italian restaurant Sabatini's once, we ate there every night. It was the best food I've had on a cruise ship, worth the $25 per person premium charge!" Shore excursions are "great and well designed, but a bit pricey." On board, the ships have "lots of charming spots in which to read, nap, or just hang out and stare at the sea."

Large Ship Lines #3. Royal Caribbean

OVERALL SCORE: 81.6

Itineraries: 81.7

Excursions: 76.3

Service: 87.2

Cabins: 79.8

Food: 79.5

Activities/ Facilities: 82.3

Design: 84

"Although our ship was huge, we enjoyed it immensely. The crew has mastered crowd control; we never waited in long lines." The fleet's 22 vessels include the world's two largest cruise ships afloat—the 5,400-passenger Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas—and the line's stops include ports in Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, Europe, and South America, among others. Connecting staterooms and a variety of accommodation options make traveling with large families easy. Excursions range from historical city tours to kayaking, ice climbing, and rappelling. On board, there are a ton of activities, from rock climbing to ice skating, "but pool area seating is at a premium," though the "friendly, upbeat crew actively solve every problem." Restaurant Portofino, on 8 of the line's vessels, serves "outstanding Italian."

Large Ship Lines #2. Celebrity

OVERALL SCORE: 86.6

Itineraries: 87.8

Excursions: 73.3

Service: 92

Cabins: 90.1

Food: 86.9

Activities/Facilities: 85

Design: 89

"The crew keeps the ships spotless—rails glisten, the glass is clear of smudges, and the pools sparkle." Celebrity's fleet sails seasonally up the East and West coasts, around the Caribbean, Europe, and South America, with year-round itineraries in the Galápagos Islands aboard the Celebrity Xpedition. Cabins are "well laid out and exceptionally comfortable." The varied onboard activities ensure "there is something for everyone." "The shows are great—and I'm a Broadway-loving New Yorker." Multiple restaurants include Asian, French, and Italian, but some passengers object to "charging a corkage fee for bringing your own wine to dinner." "Good excursions" include driving a Ferrari around Rome or taking a roof tour of Stockholm, "but they're not great value." Crew are "very friendly and seem eager to please." The Celebrity Silhouette joined the fleet in July 2011.

Large-Ship Lines #1. Disney

OVERALL SCORE: 90.3

Itineraries: 87.8

Excursions: 83

Service: 96

Cabins: 92.9

Food: 86.6

Activities/Facilities: 93.4

Design: 91.7

"We sail with Disney year after year, even though we have no children." On these three ships, family-friendly features in rooms with nautical themes include "bathrooms with toilet rooms separate from the showers—it's brilliant." Dining venues include Triton's, Parrot Cay (Caribbean), and Lumiere's (French); "to avoid small children, choose a late seating." Grown-ups can seek refuge at Signals, an adults-only bar on Disney Magic and Disney Wonder. Snorkeling on Castaway Cay, the line's private island in the Bahamas, yields "lots of sunken things to discover." Onshore diversions include a private tour of the Doge's Palace in Venice and a visit to a sea turtle farm on Grand Cayman. The 4,000-passenger Disney Dream debuted in January 2011; its most unique feature is AquaDuck, a 765-foot outdoor covered waterslide with twists and turns, the first of its kind on a cruise ship.

Midsize-Ship Lines #9: Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean's fleet might include two of the world's largest cruise ships, but readers also rave about the activities and food aboard the line's mid-sized vessels. Brilliance of the Seas is a "very classy operation," says one reader, that is "beautifully laid out with wonderful public areas," according to another. One reader called an extended family trip aboard Spendour of the Seas the "trip of a lifetime." "The food was excellent," she adds. "And I even attended most of the shows. It was a very memorable experience, and I would highly recommend it to anyone considering that particular cruise."

Midsize-Ship Lines #8. Celebrity

OVERALL RATING: 80.7

Itineraries: 85.7

Excursions: 72.8

Service: 87.1

Cabins: 80

Food: 81.2

Activities/Facilities: 77.4

Design: 79.7

"The crew keeps the ships spotless—rails glisten, the glass is clear of smudges, and the pools sparkle." Celebrity's fleet sails seasonally up the East and West coasts, around the Caribbean, Europe, and South America, with year-round itineraries in the Galápagos Islands aboard the Celebrity Xpedition. Cabins are "well laid out and exceptionally comfortable." The varied onboard activities ensure "there is something for everyone." "The shows are great—and I'm a Broadway-loving New Yorker." Multiple restaurants include Asian, French, and Italian, but some passengers object to "charging a corkage fee for bringing your own wine to dinner." "Good excursions" include driving a Ferrari around Rome or taking a roof tour of Stockholm, "but they're not great value." Crew are "very friendly and seem eager to please." The Celebrity Silhouette joined the fleet in July 2011.

Midsize-Ship Lines #7: Princess

Encounter an "outstanding crew" at this 16-ship line (soon to be 17) that sails to the Caribbean, South Pacific, Europe, and South America, among other destinations. "Cabins are small, but adequate and comfortable. The staff are very attentive and pleasant." Staterooms have soft tones, wood detailing, and big TVs. Passengers choose from dinners at any time at multifold restaurants, or a fixed seating in the main dining room. "After eating at the Italian restaurant Sabatini's once, we ate there every night. It was the best food I've had on a cruise ship, worth the $25 per person premium charge!" Shore excursions are "great and well designed, but a bit pricey." On board, the ships have "lots of charming spots in which to read, nap, or just hang out and stare at the sea."

Midsize-Ship Lines #6: Cunard

OVERALL SCORE: 83.5

Itineraries: 91.7

Excursions: 73.3

Service: 88.6

Cabins: 79.6

Food: 83.4

Activities/Facilities: 78.7

Design: 87.7

Anticipate "elegant public spaces" and "a wide variety of excursions" from Cunard's three liners that make transatlantic crossings and around-the-world sailings. The Queens and Princess Grill restaurants serve specialties like lobster américaine and châteaubriand; afternoon tea in the Grills Lounge "is a true delight." Onboard activities range from trivia games in the Golden Lion Pub to "wonderfully entertaining" evening shows. "The impeccable service is evident throughout the ship—from the cabin to the dining room to the activities staff." Queens Grill suites come with fresh flowers, personalized Cunard stationery, fruit baskets, Frette linens, nautical-inspired artwork, and butler service. The 2,200-square-foot Grand Duplex Suites at the aft of the Queen Mary 2 have private exercise equipment, marble bathrooms, and walk-in closets. The Queen Elizabeth debuted in October 2010.

Midsize-Ship Lines #5: Holland America

OVERALL SCORE: 85.3

Itineraries: 90.7

Excursions: 78.4

Service: 91.7

Cabins: 84.4

Food: 86.1

Activities/Facilities: 80.9

Design: 84.1

Serving destinations in all hemispheres, this line has 15 huge ships where you can easily get lost, but there are always wonderful people around to assist." Cabin decor has contemporary flourishes, but leans toward the classic—European paintings and historic photographs of Amsterdam and Nieuw Amsterdam (now known as New York City). "The cabins are well-appointed" and "always close to an elevator." Deluxe suites have walnut wood, brushed nickel finishes, and reproduction Picasso drawings. "A good choice of restaurants" is "cleverly spread out so that each one is in a specific and interesting location"; Pinnacle Grill, on all vessels, specializes in Pacific Northwest fare. The crew is "excellent, and everyone is friendly." "The only thing that these ships lack is a space for teens to hang out with newly made friends."

Midsize-Ship Lines #4: Azamara Club Cruises

OVERALL SCORE: 86.0

Itineraries: 90.1

Excursions: 80.8

Service: 92

Cabins: 82.8

Food: 88.4

Activities/Facilities: 79.7

Design: 87.5

"It feels like you're with family" on this Royal Caribbean offshoot where "everyone knows you." The two "intuitively designed, modern" ships sail to Asia, the Panama Canal, Europe, and more. "Our itinerary was perfect. We had very few sea days as most of our cruising was done at night." Onboard activities are limited on port days—onshore trips take in the Monaco Grand Prix or Rio de Janeiro's Carnaval, for example—as "few people stay on the ship, although the spa facilities were still available." Cabins are designed in the style of a small European hotel, with Egyptian cotton linens and duvets, and have 24-hour room service. The five restaurants focus on varying cuisines, from steak to Mediterranean, and offer complimentary local wines. "Meals are creative and have many healthy options." "It's hard not to have a wonderful time."

Midsize-Ship Lines #3: Oceania Cruises

OVERALL SCORE: 89.5

Itineraries: 94.4

Excursions: 71.1

Service: 95.8

Cabins: 92

Food: 95.4

Activities/ Facilities: 83.9

Design: 92.6

All four of Oceania's "un-glitzy ships are perfect in size" and make stops in Europe, South America, and beyond (new Alaska trips debuted in summer 2011). Cabins have French-milled soaps, big TVs, and those with verandas offer "great, unobstructed views." Excursions, including a private tour of the Vatican, are the "strong point, although they're a little bit pricey." The "uniformly excellent" dining venues include the antique-furnished Jacques, a classic Parisian bistro masterminded by Jacques Pépin and serving dishes such as coq au vin; try the roast duck salad with watermelon and cashews at Red Ginger, where interiors showcase ebony, bronze, and handblown glass light fixtures. "Friendly, efficient staff always have a smile and a good attitude." The 1,250-passenger Marina, one of the largest ships in the fleet, made its maiden voyage in January 2011.

Midsize-Ship Lines #2: Regent Seven Seas Cruises

OVERALL SCORE: 91.5

Itineraries: 94.4

Excursions: 84.6

Service: 94

Cabins: 95

Food: 91

Activities/Facilities: 88.7

Design: 92.6

These three all-suite vessels sail to the ends of the earth, from New Zealand and the South Pacific to the Panama Canal and Africa. "Very comfortable" wood-paneled cabins have a lounge space, big TVs, and down comforters, and most have balconies. Restaurants are "superb and offer plenty of choices," including steak, French, and vegetarian; breakfast and lunch at La Veranda can be taken alfresco. Exploring the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea and zip-lining over a Chilean volcano are only two of the shore excursions. "Staff are genuinely friendly and responsive to any request." The onboard spas are run by Canyon Ranch and offer thalassotherapy, seaweed wraps, aromatherapy, and body scrubs.

Midsize-Ship Lines #1: Crystal Cruises

OVERALL SCORE: 94.4

Itineraries: 95.8

Excursions: 88.5

Service: 98

Cabins: 90.6

Food: 97.2

Activities/Facilities: 94.5

Design: 95.9

Its two ships' itineraries recently extended to Antarctica, Alaska, and West Africa. Excursions include local volunteer programs, helicopter rides in New Zealand, and splurges like a drive through Monte Carlo in a Lamborghini. On board, expect "the best lecturers and personalities of any cruise line." Rooms have "more than enough hanging and drawer space, and spectacular marble bathrooms"; Crystal Penthouses come with ocean view hot tubs, and some have Swarovski chandeliers. "The true standouts are the restaurants," which are all complimentary and include Silk Road and the Sushi Bar, a specialty dining room where the sushi is made by Nobu-trained chefs and "is beyond compare." Year to year, "staff remember your favorite cocktails." The spas use Elemis skin products, and there are Nordic Walking fitness classes.

Small-Ship Lines #6: Star Clippers

OVERALL SCORE: 81.9

Itineraries: 86.8

Excursions: 72.4

Service: 91.2

Cabins: 73.9

Food: 86.7

Activities/Facilities: 77.4

Design: 83.7

Every night when the ship leaves port, the captain plays music by Vangelis, and you can help raise the sails. "It's magical." The design of these three boats celebrates "classic vessels of the late nineteenth century," a motif that continues inside, with prints of yachts and clipper ships on the walls. "Compact cabins are of a high standard." "Dining is good, with no set times—just wander down and sit where you want," and meals offer "many dishes that cater to American and European tastes." Off-ship activities "focus firmly on the water," hence river tubing in Dominica and volcanic sailing in Santorini, as well as the cleanup of leatherback turtle–breeding beaches in St. Kitts. "The always happy crew dealt with our various languages and cultural expectations gracefully and efficiently."

Small-Ship Lines #5: Lindblad Expeditions

OVERALL SCORE: 85.2

Itineraries: 99

Excursions: 97.2

Service: 96.9

Cabins: 51.9

Food: 83.2

Activities/Facilities: 91.6

Design: 76.8

This fleet of small ships—passenger capacity ranges from 28 to 148—sails to rugged destinations like Arctic Svalbard, Antarctica, and the Galápagos; "the itineraries are impressive." Thanks to the vessels' size, "you get to know everyone, though it can feel slightly claustrophobic." While cabin design and decor vary, all are "small and basic," since "going on a cruise with Lindblad is about the adventure, not about luxury." Guest speakers aboard the National Geographic Explorer include Mikhail Gorbachev and Lech Walęsa. Meals, served in the dining room, on deck, or ashore on a remote beach, "are wonderful, especially the lunches, where there is lots of fresh fruit, vegetables, and salads." Excursions added in 2011 include expedition photography with a National Geographic–certified photo instructor. "Though this is a cruise for active adults, staff also go out of their way to entertain any children on board."

Small-Ship Lines #4: Silversea

OVERALL SCORE: 90.9

Itineraries: 95.2

Excursions: 87

Service: 95.6

Cabins: 93.7

Food: 90.8

Activities/ Facilities: 85.4

Design: 88.3

These six ships stop in the Caribbean, the South Pacific, Europe, Africa, and Antarctica. Guests retire to cabins with brass, marble, etched glass, and soft leathers. Off-the-beaten-path excursions yield once-in-a-lifetime experiences, from penguin spotting in Antarctica to an evening in the desert, where "the Namibian choir gave a real feeling for the culture." In The Restaurant, "superb waitstaff" serve signature dishes from Relais & Châteaux properties; "the no-tipping policy and free-flowing drinks make you feel like a guest on someone's yacht." Afternoon tea, with pastries, petit fours, and piano music, is served on all the ships in the Panorama Lounge, designed to replicate the curves of the nautilus shell. A seventh ship will arrive in September 2013, offering week long excursions in the Galapagos Islands.

Small-Ship Lines #3: SeaDream Yacht Club

OVERALL SCORE: 91.6

Itineraries: 96.5

Excursions: 88.5

Service: 96.5

Cabins: 81.9

Food: 96.5

Activities/ Facilities: 88.3

Design: 92.9

Sailing to the Caribbean and Europe on these 112-passenger yachts is "a unique experience—the ships are small, so you get to know other travelers." Facilities on the six decks include a pool, a whirlpool, and a casino. Staterooms, with twin or queen beds and at least one window, are "decent but a little dated," and highlight modern Scandinavian design, dominated by tans and beiges with blue accents. Side trips, such as the one to Vieques's bioluminescent bay, "are great—but my best memory of the sailing is the food, the people, and the service." The ships often overnight in port, allowing guests the opportunity to experience the local nightlife.

Small-Ship Lines #2: Wind Star

OVERALL SCORE: 92.0

Itineraries: 96.7

Excursions: 83.5

Service: 97.3

Cabins: 91

Food: 94.7

Activities/Facilities: 87.2

Design: 93.3

The "small, intimate schooners" promise attentive service: "Staff quickly remember your favorite beverage and how to serve it." Itineraries take in the Caribbean, Central America, and the Mediterranean. "A wide range of food choices" includes seasonal dishes such as Tuscan shrimp and crêpes with poached pears at Degrees, and "the wine lists have a large selection." The poolside grill, Candles, supplies steaks and skewers, and the line also offers certain spa treatments by the pool. Sleek cabins are "impeccably designed," with a white, crimson, and gold palette, as well as granite countertops, porcelain sinks, and teak floors. Excursions include a painting lesson in Dubrovník and custom fragrance making in a Monte Carlo perfumery.

Small-Ship Lines #1: Seabourn

OVERALL SCORE: 92.6

Itineraries: 94.6

Excursions: 84

Service: 96.4

Cabins: 94.9

Food: 96

Activities/Facilities: 88.7

Design: 93

The highest scoring cruise line “has no negatives” and sails to Central America, the Middle East, Europe, New Caledonia, the South Pacific, and other destinations. The six-yacht fleet “sails into ports not available to larger ships.” Cabins have honey-toned woods, and “every bit of space is intelligently used.” Prior to meals at The Restaurant, diners can sign up for a trip to a local market with the ship’s chef and dine on dishes using the chosen ingredients. Other excursions include a visit to St. Petersburg’s Yusupov Palace, site of Rasputin’s demise. Impressive service extends from housekeeping to restaurant staff, “who even remembered our names from a previous cruise and prepared my husband a special breakfast when he was recovering from a cold.” “I asked for a lighter comforter, and it was immediately done—just like that.”

River Cruises #6: Amawaterways

OVERALL SCORE: 84.1

Itineraries: 91.4

Excursions: 88.8

Service: 87.9

Cabins: 83.4

Food: 79.3

Activities/Facilities: 78

Design: 79.8

This line that sails on rivers throughout Europe and on the Mekong has 15 small ships that carry a maximum of 212 passengers (the AmaDagio is our readers' favorite). Cabins are "pretty much like rooms you'd get at an inexpensive hotel" and come with modern design and marble-appointed bathrooms. Mekong ships have dark woods, regional Khmer touches, and artifacts that contrast with the otherwise colonial look. "The ship was fine, but the food was poor. I'm sure they recycled the croissants each day." While some laud the "outstanding, very knowledgeable, and attentive crew," others were "a little disappointed in the cruise director's lack of help when I wanted to do my own thing in port." That said, the "excellent shore excursions" are included in the price and are conducted by local guides. There are complimentary guided bicycle tours in select European cities and a series of "Jewish Heritage" sailings.

River Cruises #5: Vantage

OVERALL SCORE: 89.9

Itineraries: 95

Excursions: 92.5

Service: 97.5

Cabins: 77.5

Food: 92.5

Activities/Facilities: 89.4

Design: 85

Vantage operates ships and cruises around the world, including itineraries in the South Pacific, Antarctica, and Central America. European river cruises, however, is the area where they have the most offerings, from Christmas market sailings on the Danube to wine-harvest ones on Portugal's Douro River. Unlike some of their competitors, they also offer Russian river cruises. "Our third riverboat cruise with Vantage," says one reader, "Excellent service and food." Plus, "they are all-inclusive allowing for easy, relaxing travel." In 2013, the River Splendor and River Venture debuted while the River Navigator underwent a complete renovation.

River Cruises #4: Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

OVERALL SCORE: 91.9

Itineraries: 94.9

Excursions: 95.5

Service: 95.6

Cabins: 86.8

Food: 92

Activities/Facilities: 87.3

Design: 90.9

This line concentrates on European waterways. Staterooms and suites come with Egyptian cotton linens, cashmere blankets, and L'Occitane amenities. Select European sailings offer the Epicurean Adventurer Program, focusing on the region's culinary delights with food-and-wine pairings and cooking demonstrations. Other waistline-busting options include a trip to a Cologne chocolate factory. Sailings in December offer trips to Christmas markets in towns along the Rhine and Danube. The recently refurbished River Queen—updated with navy and white Turnell & Gigon fabrics—has the only working fireplace on a riverboat, and "makes for a cozy atmosphere on a damp day."

River Cruises #3: Viking River Cruises

OVERALL SCORE: 92.7

Itineraries: 97.3

Excursions: 96.2

Service: 97.2

Cabins: 87.6

Food: 92.9

Activities/Facilities: 88.4

Design: 89.1

"The guides, room, and food were all first-class and wonderful." "Its prices are still very, very competitive." Destinations on these 19 ships include the rivers of Europe, Russia, Ukraine, China, Egypt, and Southeast Asia—"the tour director on our Nile cruise was an accredited Egyptologist," and overall "the staff are exceptional." "Superior cabins" have Scandinavian-influenced interiors, with wood furnishings, and cashmeres, cottons, and linens in a neutral palette. Restaurants are single-seating dining rooms where guests can sit at any table and sample food that focuses on the regions on the itinerary. "The caliber of the food and the service are pretty high." Off the boat, take a walking tour through Budapest or a trip to a working cheese farm near the Dutch city Gouda. "The line does not charge for most of its European shore excursions. That's a plus."

River Cruises #2: Tauck

OVERALL SCORE: 93.3

Itineraries: 94.7

Excursions: 93.7

Service: 96.1

Cabins: 93.3

Food: 91.6

Activities/Facilities: 90.3

Design: 93.3

This line with a half-dozen ships cruising the rivers of northern Europe (namely the Danube, Rhine, Rhône, and Seine) debuts near the top of the Readers' Choice Awards this year. The shore excursions and itineraries are the subject of some of the most enthusiastic comments, thanks to "knowledgeable and accommodating guides" and "first-rate tour directors." Food and wine menus are paired to the regions the ships are traveling through, while "cabins are roomy" with "views onto the countryside." The stops along the way are the highlights for many passengers: "postcard perfect towns with cobblestone streets, small shops, and beer gardens." "Tauck does it right from beginning to end."

River Cruises #1: Grand Circle Cruise Line

OVERALL SCORE: 95.2

Itineraries: 97.9

Excursions: 96.9

Service: 97.8

Cabins: 91.4

Food: 95.6

Activities/Facilities: 92.7

Design: 94.4

These riverboats have wood paneling, brass fittings, old lanterns, and black-and-white photos, and are “impressively neat and clean.” Beds often fold up by day, and cabins are “sufficient and comfortable”; some have leather and rattan furniture. Itineraries through Europe and the Middle East explore “villages, wines, and history,” and include trips to Russia's Hermitage Museum as well as Kaffee and cake with German hosts. Dinners focus on regional specialties and bonhomie: “We spent more time than we should have imbibing and visiting with new friends.” Staff provide “memorable touches, like champagne when you reach the river’s highest point.”